New trends for 2016
Digital — Virtual reality goggles are a new source of entertainment. Google Images
Both the technology business and the fashion industry are set to take off
Technological Breakthroughs
This spring will usher in far more than warmer temperatures, as 2016 promises to bring many changes to the technology and fashion industries.
Phillip Martin, technician supervisor at Liberty University’s Information Technology department, said he expects three trends to make headlines this year: the expansion of virtual reality, the Internet of Things (IOT) and drone delivery.
Martin said with new, cutting-edge systems manufactured by large companies such as Sony and Samsung, consumers are guaranteed to see improvements in virtual reality.
According to CNET, Sony’s PlayStation VR, a gaming headset to play “in a full 360 degrees” will be coming out the summer of 2016. CNET looks at the newest “consumer technology breakthroughs” and “give(s) you the information, tools, and advice that will help you decide what to buy.”
Samsung also introduced the Gear VR, virtual reality goggles compatible with Galaxy smartphones to provide 360 degree entertainment.
Martin also expressed his interest in the connection between electronic devices and household items, otherwise known as the IOT. According to forbes.com, the IOT “is the concept of basically connecting any device with an on-and-off switch to the Internet (and/or to each other). … The relationship will be between people-people, people-things, and things-things.”
In 2016, this advanced network program is predicted to impact the world of technology. While once used solely by companies for the tracking of data and research, this system is now built into wearables, Smart Cars and household appliances.
“It changes how customers and companies come together,” Bosch Software Innovations’ website said of the benefits of the IOT. “Instead of just meeting at the point of sale, the relationship becomes a continuous interaction, which lasts as long as the customer keeps using a product and the corresponding services.”
Forbes’ website said the IOT will allow products like a home thermostat to be controlled with a personal computer or phone.
“It’s really interesting to me how I can have my lights turned on, thermostat set to a good temperature and know what foods I have in my fridge before I even leave campus for home,” Martin said.
Martin said another tech trend pertains to companies beginning to utilize drones to collect information and create quick delivery services. Both Google and Amazon have revealed their plans for using drones to speed the process of package shipment.
“Even with all of these really major changes, I’m probably most excited about the evolution of personal assistants like Siri and Cortana,” Martin said. “I’ll admit, even though I knew it was farfetched, I wanted an Al butler like Jarvis from the original Iron Man movie.”
Style — Mixed materials and patterns are part of new fashion trends taking place in 2016. Leah Seavers
Fashion Statements
However, technology is not the only industry evolving in 2016. Spring fashion runways are quickly welcoming a slew of new patterns, materials and styles.
“I see a lot of unique skirts coming into the picture in 2016,” Liberty fashion major Katelyn Verbeke said. “Leather, suede and mixing different materials seems to be a big trend in designs.”
Verbeke encouraged fashion lovers to mix materials and patterns, as it can create a very unique and personal look. However, she warned individuals to do so with caution.
“Mixing patterns can be overwhelming, but it can definitely make a statement,” Verbeke said.
Fetchclothing.com, “a vintage inspired clothing and accessories boutique” in Texas, offered tips about mixing patterns such as “keeping the different patterns in the same color family, using stripes as a neutral, and using patterned accessories with a different patterned piece of clothing.”
Statement pieces such as jewelry and other accessories appear to be another major fashion trend for 2016, and minimalistic designs are becoming less prominent in the fashion industry according to Verbeke.
“Even the most minimalistic designers are adapting to the high demand for statement pieces,” Verbeke said.
Verbeke also encouraged fashion enthusiasts to invest in a few pastel wardrobe pieces, as light colors are gaining popularity on spring runways. In fact, Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year is a blend of Rose Quartz and Serenity, both soft pastels.
As 2016 kicks off, major technological advances and fashion statement standouts are two prominent trends people are sure to notice.
I have read some excellent stuff here, Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting
Unfortunately the PlayStation VR only goes up to 110 degrees view point, but tbh with the amount of games you can get, it’s enough to keep me interested in the PS VR rather than its competitors. Namely the Oculus and HTC Vive.
Great stuff there!! I have bookmarked it. And i hope the all information is correct. will try to work on some soon.
On a more optimistic note, AI-based chatbots are showing signs of improved ethical behavior. The GPT-4 model, for instance, generates 89% less harmful content compared to its predecessor, GPT-3.5, according to a Statista report published in May 2023.